Vehicle emergency communication device and method for utilizing the vehicle emergency communication device

Abstract

A vehicle emergency communication device and a method of utilizing the device are provided. The device includes a portable housing having a first diagnostic link connector, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter disposed therein. The first diagnostic link connector is configured to be removably connected to a vehicle communication bus, and is further configured to receive a signal indicating deployment of a vehicle airbag from the vehicle communication bus. The microprocessor is configured to induce the RF transmitter to transmit an RF signal having an emergency call message therein in response to receiving the signal from the first diagnostic link connector. The emergency call message has data for inducing a cellular phone receiving the RF signal to further communicate with an emergency call center computer.

1 . A vehicle emergency communication device, comprising:
 a portable housing having a first diagnostic link connector, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter disposed therein, a portion of the first diagnostic link connector extending through the portable housing;   the first diagnostic link connector is configured to be removably connected to a vehicle communication bus, the first diagnostic link connector is further configured to receive a signal indicating deployment of a vehicle airbag from the vehicle communication bus; and   the microprocessor is operably coupled to the first diagnostic link connector and to the RF transmitter, the microprocessor is configured to induce the RF transmitter to transmit an RF signal having an emergency call message therein in response to receiving the signal from the first diagnostic link connector, the emergency call message having data for inducing a cellular phone receiving the RF signal to further communicate with an emergency call center computer.   
   
   
       2 . The vehicle emergency communication device of  claim 1 , wherein the first diagnostic link connector is configured to be removably physically and electrically coupled to a second diagnostic link connector that is electrically coupled to the vehicle communication bus. 
   
   
       3 . The vehicle emergency communication device of  claim 1 , wherein the RF signal has a Bluetooth communication protocol. 
   
   
       4 . A method for utilizing a vehicle emergency communication device, comprising:
 disposing a portable housing having a first diagnostic link connector, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter disposed therein, inside of a vehicle;   physically coupling the first diagnostic link connector to a second diagnostic link connector coupled to a vehicle communication bus;   transmitting a signal indicating deployment of a vehicle airbag from a vehicle controller through the vehicle communication bus and the second diagnostic link connector and the first diagnostic link connector to the microprocessor; and   inducing the RF transmitter to transmit an RF signal having an emergency call message therein, utilizing the microprocessor in response to the microprocessor receiving the signal, the emergency call message having data for inducing a cellular phone receiving the RF signal to further communicate with an emergency call center computer.